Ever wish there were more hours in the day? The problem might be you’re not using the hours you have in the most efficient way. I’ve got a fix for this and I put it all together in a productivity course I’ve done with PopExpert.com.
It’s based on my book, “Listful Thinking: Using Lists to be More Productive, Highly Successful and Less Stressed” and is designed to help you live a more fulfilling and connected life. Read more
Tax (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)
Tax day is here! So you’re either cringing and cramming to get your return in on time or you’re sitting back, sighing a breath of relief that you’ve already gotten your money from the government. Whichever category you fall into — this post is for you.
Be Prepared
I’ve spoken about Evernote before because I think it’s a great tool for keeping organized and remembering everything you need to in one place. It’s also fabulous for keeping track of your tax information.
I used it this year and it really helped to keep me on track. Next year you should try it too. Starting now though will keep you less stressed when tax time comes around again. Here’s what I did:
1. Make a notebook in Evernote called “Taxes”.
2. Create a note that lists out all the documents that you will need to collect for next year’s taxes. That’s all the 1099 forms for each of your accounts and employers. Put a checkbox next to each so you can check them off as you get the correct paperwork.
3. Throughout the year put notes and receipts in this notebook for tax writeoffs.
4. When you start getting 1099 forms back later in the year — scan them into this folder.
5. Once you get all your information together — do your taxes! Or send off all the forms to your accountant.
That’s it. If you just take the extra step to be a little bit ahead of the game you won’t be scrambling this time again next year. Think of all the time and money you’ll save! Let me know how you keep track of your tax information.
Since starting this blog I’ve realized I’m not alone in my list-making compulsion! Many people have reached out saying they are also list freaks. But with that said — we are actually on to something here. List making is actually good for your brain!
I want to thank my very first guest blogger — memory expert Cynthia R. Green, Ph.D — for this entry!
Why List Making Will Save Your Brain
By Cynthia R. Green, Ph.D
Cynthia R. Green Ph.D.
Memory tools, such as list making, force us to pay closer attention to the information we need to remember, and they give that information meaning by placing it an organizational scheme. In addition, they let us control what we need to remember by giving us the opportunity to review it.
Here are my top five reasons why list making is beneficial:
1. Lists get us to pay attention to things we need to remember. Using lists, just like using any technique to boost your brainpower, will focus your attention more actively on the information you need to remember. Why? When we work with information, we pay closer attention to it.
2. Lists help us remember the things we need to remember — but not memorize. Read more
One of the most exciting things in my short life has happened! In just one week – I will be sitting in the audience of the Oprah Winfrey Show!!!!!! I’m sooooo excited! This moment is going to be really special for me because it’s been 18 years in the making. You see, Oprah is the reason I went into TV.
When I was just 13 years old – I was obsessed with “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” and decided to write a letter to my hero. So I did. I got a response back on official “Oprah” letterhead along with an autographed photo.
Check out the letter I got back and the vintage “Oprah hair” in her picture.
Whether you write a to-do list, a grocery list or a list of pros and cons – the act of putting thoughts down on paper will be good for your mind, body and soul. I’m not kidding. Making a list will decrease stress, increase productivity, keep you organized and focused, and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Making a list may seem pointless at first, but investing some time into this simple task offers big returns. My beloved journalism professor Cathy Krein always told us to “keep it simple, stupid,” when critiquing our writing. She meant that in the most loving way and I think that statement can be applied to everything in life – including lists.
I’ll get to more benefits in another blog, but here are the reasons you MUST start making lists now:
1. We are forgetful
It’s true – the average adult attention span is 15-20 minutes, so we are bound to let a few tasks fall through the cracks here and there. But you don’t have to!